Shows & Happenings

The Six Fix: Bold Pinays Who Are Making The Philippines A Better Place

Be Bold for Change: This is the theme of this year’s celebration of National Women’s month. Part of the worldwide observance of International Women’s Day, the month of March is dedicated to all the hardworking women who have dedicated blood, sweat, and tears in making society a better place.

We round up six Filipinas who have made a major impact on Philippine society, be it in the field of innovation, media, food, politics, or women's rights:

1. Charo Santos-Concio. From being an actress and host and ABS-CBN’s President, to currently the company’s Chief Content Officer, Santos-Concio has played an instrumental role in the country’s TV and Film production industry. Santos-Concio's comeback film Ang Babaeng Humayo won the Golden Lion at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival.

2. Pia Cayetano. Aside from being the youngest elected woman senator, Cayetano has fought for women’s rights, filing bills such as the “Magna Carta for Women” and the “Expanded Breastfeeding Act”, in addition to her advocacies on health and fitness.

3. Risa Hontiveros. As a journalist, activist, and politician, Hontiveros has made several contributions to the Philippines, which include her involvement with the National Democratic Front Peace Talks and her active campaign for the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

4. Maria Lourdes Sereno. Aside from being the second youngest appointed Chief Justice, she is also the first woman appointed to the post. Her remarkable body of work include crucial decisions on the declaration of State of Emergency in Sulu and the hazing case of Lenny Villa, and improving access to Philippine Law through an electronic research system.

5. Margarita Fores. This chef and restaurateur is “Asia’s Best Female Chef” for good reason: Fores doesn't only have decades of stellar experience under her toque, but also champions local farmers in all of her restaurants and undertakings, showcasing just how wonderful our country's natural resources are.

6. Aisa Mijeno. Remember the story about the invention of a saltwater-powered lamp aimed to benefit communities that lack access to electricity? That invention is Mijeno's idea, a product, which she says, is not just a product but also "a social movement".